By Fareeda Shamloul
⚠️If you ever come into contact with cyanide poisoning, seek help immediately and call poison control. ⚠️
Cyanide is infamously known for being a lethal, fast-acting poison. It was first discovered in 1782 by scientist Carl Wilhelm Scheele who isolated it from a pigment called Prussian Blue. This pigment is produced by oxidation of ferrous ferrocyanide salts. These salts are not highly toxic because they tend to avoid the release of cyanide ions. Cyanide poisons come in three main types; sodium cyanide, potassium cyanide, and hydrogen cyanide. Hydrogen cyanide is a liquid at room temperature, and a colourless gas at elevated temperatures. Compared to potassium cyanide and sodium cyanide, which are white powders at room temperature. Although cyanide is widely known as a terrible poison, this article will explore its benefits found in daily life.
How does cyanide work?
Cyanide is a polyatomic anion. Its formula is CN-. However cyanide is detrimental to human health if it's in the form of cyanide poison. The quickest route of entry for cyanide poison is inhalation (hydrogen cyanide gas). Another entry is through , also known as the second quickest route of entry. Finally this chemical is ingestible, , which is the slowest method of delivering the poison, however it only takes a few minutes of digestion to feel symptoms of the poison. When Cyanide enters the bloodstream, it hitches a ride on the hemoglobin in the red blood cells, before entering a tissue cell. Once inside the cell, cyanide travels to the mitochondrial membrane where it attaches to a single iron atom located in the middle of the compound Cytochrome C. This therefore stops the process of ATP production, as the mitochondria can no longer move oxygen in and out of itself. ATP stands for Adenosine triphosphate. It is a nucleotide that provides energy to support many processes in living cells. It does this through metabolic processes that yields a compound called ADP and free, inorganic phosphate groups. ADP’s main role is to recombine with phosphate groups to form ATP again, and this process produces energy that the cell can use. Without ATP, all functions of the cell stop as there is no energy to perform basic cell duties. The cells receive a build of oxygen in the cells, and eventually, a build of oxygen in the bloodstream. Red, oxygenated veins are a sign that the person has been poisoned with cyanide.
When can you come in contact with cyanide?
The most common place where EMS will find cyanide are household fires, as many items burn cyanide. This includes electronics, carpets, and mattresses. Around 35% of all fire victims will have toxic levels of cyanide in their blood. Cyanide is also found in natural foods such as soy, apple seeds, bamboo chutes, and almonds. There is never enough cyanide in these foods to cause any kind of harm, but it is present. A fun fact about cyanide is that not all people can smell it. People either smell a really bitter, almondy scent, or nothing at all. The reason why cyanide smells like almonds is because almonds have quite a high concentration of cyanide compared to other plants. An interesting fact is that the more bitter an almond is, the more cyanide it contains amongst other chemical compounds.
Presence in Medicine
Cyanide is infamous for its poisonous qualities. However, there are certain therapeutic uses to cyanide when it's binded to another substance. In medicine, cyanide can be found in the widely used antihypertensive sodium nitroprusside (a medication used to lower blood pressure, delivered through an IV), each molecule of the drug contains 5 ions of cyanide. Furthermore, cyanide can combine with other chemicals to form vitamin B12. The most common compound found in B12 is called cyanocobalamin, which is part of the “cobalamin” compounds that make up B12. All in all, cyanocobalamin is non-toxic, making it safe to put in these vitamin supplements.
Antidote
There are three main antidotes to cyanide poisoning that must be given through IV immediately during a life-threatening situation. These include hydroxocobalamin, sodium nitrite, and sodium thiosulfate. Usually these substances are given to someone who has been exposed to a low dosage of cyanide as they are more effective on small amounts. Hydroxocobalamin is the most used in an emergency situation. Hydroxocobalamin is similar to cyanocobalamin, a compound found in vitamin B12. Hydroxocobalamin can bind one cyanide ion to one of its cobalt ions to form cyanocobalamin. This compound is non-toxic and is safely excreted in the urine.
Conclusion/Summary
Cyanide is an incredibly fascinating poison. It can be lethal when existing on its own. However, when cyanide is bonded to other compounds, it becomes a key ingredient in vitamin B12. Cyanide can also be found in certain fruits, and nuts in quantities that are completely safe to digest. If exposure does occur, the most common antidote used will be hydroxocobalamin, which when binded to cyanide, transforms into cyanocobalamin, a compound that is safely excreted in urine. seek medical attention immediately. If exposure to cyanide occurs, seek medical attention immediately and call poison control.
References
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U.S Department of Labour. (2020, May 21). Cyanide Antidotes | Occupational Safety and Health Administration. Www.osha.gov. https://www.osha.gov/laws-regs/standardinterpretations/2020-03-31#:~:text=Currently%2C%20the%20available%20cyanide%20antidotes
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